Prep for Contrast - Shellfish Allergy

I have a shellfish allergy but need to have a CT scan with contrast.  When I have eaten shellfish, I end up with pretty violent projectile vomiting but I didn't have any other symptoms.  My doctor said I would take Benadryl and steriods before the scan and then I wouldn't have an allergic reaction to the contrast.  I have two questions:

1.  Am I more likely to have an allergic reaction to xray contrast because of the shellfish allergy?

2.  If the answer is yes, then will taking Benadryl and steriods before the scan guarantee that I won't have an allergic reaction?  

Thank you for any help you can give.  

[ChitChatNine]

MAKE SURE YOU TELL them and TELL THEM and TELL THEM and TELL THEM AGAIN .. even bring a large sign with you to put on your chest.  I am not kidding.  This is what the hospital did for my dd's latex allergy when she had surgery in January.  She is latex allergic and because of that they gave her sterioids before the contrast .. but she is not shellfish allergic so I do not know what they will do in your case.  There is no guarantee on the meds before .. they lessen the chance of reaction. What does your dr. say about the risk benefit?

C~

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

I will try answering your questions one by one.

1) First of all, having seafood and shellfish allergy does not place a person at increased risk of having a reaction to RCM(radioactive contrast media). Shellfish allergy is due to the protein content of these foods, not the iodine content.
2) Secondly,if there is any risk of an allergic reactionto occur,then premedication with benadryl and corticosteroids prior to CT scan will prevent an allergic reaction from occurring.

I feel that you should inform the radiologist before hand that you are allergic to shellfish so that he can decide whether antihistaminics and corticosteroids are to be taken in oral or intravenous form before injecting the dye.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or of you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.

[rockinrobin32]

Hmmm..so confused right now.  I had a CT-Scan a few years back.  I had a really bad reaction to the contrast.  I nearly died..throat was swollen shut, couldn't swallow, breathe..

When they finally got everything reversed and I was ok, I was told I was allergic to iodine, stay away from shellfish and I was given a card to keep in my wallet saying I'm allergic to iodine.  (I had eaten shellfish a couple times and had mild symtoms (symptoms), never thought much about it before this)

Is there a contrast or a special type of scan that can be used on somone like me or just take steroids and benedryl before a procedure.  I cannot imagine going through that again.